The mental wellbeing of young farmers in Ireland and the UK: driving factors, help-seeking, and support

Rose, David Christian, Bradley, Fergal, O’Connor, Deirdre, Hall, Jilly, Morrison, Rosie, Mulkerrins, Martin, Nye, Caroline and Russell, Tomás (2023) The mental wellbeing of young farmers in Ireland and the UK: driving factors, help-seeking, and support. Scottish Geographical Journal. pp. 1-21. ISSN 1470-2541

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Abstract

Whilst research attention on the mental wellbeing of farmers is growing, there are few studies focused on young farmers. Our research set out to better understand the factors affecting young farmer mental wellbeing and help-seeking behaviour. We draw insights from a combined study in Ireland and the UK, supplemented by separate studies by the same author team in both places. Through the use of young farmer interviews and surveys, as well as interviews of those who support young farmers with their mental wellbeing, we identify a mixed picture of mental wellbeing and a plethora of factors affecting it. Though many of these factors have been identified in the wider literature, the impact of socialisation and time off the farm, and sexism/misogyny affecting young female farmers, were specifically identified in our study. In some cases, young farmers were considered to be better at speaking about mental wellbeing than their older counterparts, but our study indicated that some people in this demographic fail to seek assistance because of stigma, stoicism, and possible lack of confidentiality. Improving the accessibility of mental wellbeing services, as well as normalising conversations on the subject and providing support in informal social settings, were identified as key recommendations.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	health, mental health, young farmers, wellbeing
Divisions:	Agriculture, Science and Practice
Depositing User:	Professor David Rose
Date Deposited:	07 Dec 2023 18:35
Last Modified:	07 Dec 2023 18:35
URI:	https://rau.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/16727

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